June 12, 2024 — The Alabama Fiber Network (AFN) — a coalition of eight electric co-ops, their subsidiaries and partners dedicated to delivering a world-class, middle-mile broadband backbone across Alabama — celebrated its official launch of service this week with an event at Cotton Creek Cullman.
The event marked a step forward in bridging the digital divide across the state and featured guests including Gov. Kay Ivey and other local and state elected officials.
The network lighting ceremony also announced Sprout Fiber Internet as the network’s first last-mile customer and introduced AFN’s new CEO, Terry Metze Jr., a broadband industry veteran who joined the team earlier this summer. Attendees learned more about AFN’s network and the positive impact it will have on the state. According to an analysis by IMPLAN, the network will generate 4,112 total jobs with a total economic impact of $657 million.
“This is a monumental day for Alabama. We are proud to officially launch our service and begin connecting communities across the state,” Metze said. “Increasing access throughout Alabama will enhance innovation and create new opportunities for education, health care, economic development and more.”
AFN is crucial in Ivey’s and the Alabama Legislature’s statewide BeLinked plan to provide affordable, reliable access to all. AFN has received more than $200 million in U.S. Department of Treasury grant money from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority. This investment supports AFN’s efforts to expand into more rural communities across Alabama, which are historically unserved and underserved. At full buildout, the network will span more than 5,000 miles and reach all 67 Alabama counties.
“Our goal is to connect Alabama to the future,” said Tom Stackhouse, AFN board chairman and Central Alabama Electric Cooperative president and CEO. “Today’s event is a testament to our commitment for all Alabamians to have access to reliable, high-speed internet.”
For more information about the Alabama Fiber Network, please visit www.alabamafibernetwork.com.
